The mosquito spread West Nile virus is appearing in the area, and the threat for persons to become infected is spreading. According to the Daily NonPareil, human cases have been reported in Shelby County, and now a sentinel chicken in Council Bluffs tested positive for the virus, which means human are susceptible to coming down with the it.
This year’s first human case in Iowa was announced on July 3rd by the Iowa Department of Public Health. It was in a middle-aged man from Linn County, who was not hospitalized. The Shelby County case was reported a couple weeks later. Health officials say in that particular case, the patient was a women age 18-40 who also did not need to be hospitalized.
Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than 1 percent of people infected become seriously ill and, rarely, someone dies. There is no vaccine or medical treatment for the illness. Since West Nile virus first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in the state, either in humans, horses or birds. In 2012, there were 31 human cases of West Nile virus and no deaths.
The Iowa Dept. of Public Health recommends Iowans take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products on children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks whenever possible outdoors.
• Eliminate standing water around the home. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.
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